Common Name:

General Information

Amomyrtus meli is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall, though usually smaller in cultivation[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. The dried leaves are sold for medicinal use[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern and central Chile

Habitat

Wet forests in upland habitats[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Amomyrtus meliis is not very winter hardy, tolerating winter frosts with temperatures that sometimes fall as low as -5°c. In its native range in Chile it experiences rain all year round and can be found at elevations from near sea level to around 2,000 metres[].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[] including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[]. Dislikes cold drying winds[].
The plant is strongly aromatic, though this is lost upon drying[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Aromatic, it has a pleasant flavour when fully ripe[]. The black, subglobose fruit is around 10 - 15mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The aromatic leaves are used to make a tea that is said to lower cholesterol levels in the body[].

Other Uses

The wood is very hard. It is used for making tool handles, farm equipment etc, and for lumber[].

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, late autumn in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[].
Layering.